TICKETS are now on sale for The Peninsula Picnic on Sunday 29 March, the most extensive food, wine and music gathering ever created on the Mornington Peninsula, showcasing the very best local chefs, resident restaurants, expert vignerons and vineyards. Picnickers will discover the hidden gems from the region’s leading producers, growers, orchardists and gourmet storeowners set to the serene soundtrack of some of Australia’s finest live music acts.
The Mornington Peninsula has recently been named in National Geographic’s annual Best Trips of the World 2015 List and The Peninsula Picnic offers a perfect opportunity to visit for one unique day in the leafy and sea-salted surrounds of Mornington Racecourse. Australia’s top chefs will provide picnickers with tastes from sunset-mellowed wineries and foraging expeditions, curating a feast of locally sourced produce and decadent wines to be enjoyed whilst lounging on picnic rugs with family and friends.
Leading the culinary line up is Melbourne Racing Club’s consultant chef, Ian Curley, also the owner of Kirk’s Wine bar and executive chef at the European. Ian will feature alongside his good friend Craig Gorton, head chef at the National Golf Course on The Peninsula. The world-renowned delights of Terre will be exhibiting their unusual and eclectic recipes that include indigenous wild produce and seasonal ingredients. Montalto will offer a unique taste of two coasts, inspired by regional France, but anchored in the fresh harvests of South Victoria’s vineyards and olive groves.
Picnickers can continue to indulge their culinary senses throughout the day with a memorable experience created by the executive chef from the Terminus at Flinders Hotel, Pierre Khodja. Pope Joan’s chef, Matt Wilkinson, will be cooking with the best seasonal and local produce hand selected for the Picnic. Andrew and Samantha, founders of The Long Table Restaurant will work with head chef, Daniel Whelan, to create passionately produced food that reflects their love of wine, food and art.
Dee’s Kitchen’s will bring a multicultural menu, a hearty celebration of food, heritage and culture. The iconic first winery restaurant on the Peninsula, Max’s, will showcase mussels from Flinders, cheese from Red Hill and honey from Moorooduc for their homely fresh menu. DOC Mornington brings old-world Italian hospitality while remaining thoroughly modern with their authentic taste of Italy.
Catering for a cultured musical palate The Peninsula Picnic will showcase some of Australia’s best live acts and up-and- coming artists. The Waifs will bring their beloved mix of folk, blues and rock sounds, playing their classic tracks with trademark storytelling skill. Something for Kate’s Paul Dempsey will be performing his new solo material for a unique must- see treat. The Pierce Brothers will showcase their energetic and exceptional stage presence that has seen them grow from street buskers to one of the country’s most recognised, exciting young acts. The intoxicatingly romantic folk of Tinpan Orange and the lush sounds of electronic-folk musician Hayden Calnin complete the soundtrack to this event.